UPDATED: For this week’s column I thought I would take a different angle and explain how I pick the cars to review, and the ones I feel passionate about.  

My ethos behind writing the Modern Classic feature for Automuse is that I learn a lot from examining older models that explain more about the history behind newer models of today.

One of my favourite activities, I’m sure like many of you, is looking at New Zealand’s TradeMe website. If you’re viewing this internationally, TradeMe is an institution amongst Kiwis who love to buy and sell. And nowhere is this more important than for “Cars”. 

I go onto the website daily to see what special vehicle popped up overnight, dream about it and add it to my watchlist.

Currently, hot on my watchlist is a beautiful 1969 Mercedes-Benz SL 280 SL Pagoda (but has just been sold). I’ve watched the Pagodas become more in demand over recent years. 

This is the best example to come up in New Zealand since another example (which I bid on) was sold by Webb’s auction house in 2019 for $241,000. 

Aficionados like the automatics, but I like the sportiness of the manual. What’s unique about this one is that it is New Zealand new essentially with its arrival in the country. People value cars differently, but I love an accurate history and the right logbooks. 

Across the ditch, I’ve been watching Pagodas become rarer in Australia. Once collectors started to empty sheds when Covid affected businesses in early 2020, I noticed a flurry of them in the market in Australia. 

This would have been a good buying time but this trend has now reversed and the Carsales website only lists two now and getting one into NZ involves shipping and GST. 

Due to supply, the Australian market has offered better prices than NZ so it is slim pickings here. New Zealand occasionally throws up a 230SL such as at Webb’s auction but I’m holding out for the right 280SL. Is this the right one? 

I’d say I’m remotely tempted but maybe not at the $380,000 price being asked. Restorations on Pagodas are pricey and I’d want to do more homework on its condition. The trouble is once I start doing the homework, it becomes addictive.

I’ve long been watching Hemmels in the UK as the ultimate place to long-range order a Pagoda, and maybe an electric one. But landed here they are close to NZ$600,000 and in my view, lack the history. 

I regularly surf first-generation Land Rover Defenders on TradeMe. It would be my most active sub-brand! While I’m not specifically looking for another Defender but if a 90 Heritage ever came up, I’d jump. The Heritage in Cashmere Green (above) looks the bomb. I’ve been lucky enough to secure one of five 110’s that landed in New Zealand. With just 7000kms on, it takes pride of place at The Gallery at Parihoa and is being used for weddings. 

I’ve been watching the prices of the first-generation Defenders steadily increase since the launch of the new Defender. As always quality is rewarded, so low kilometre and well specced one or two owner examples, are increasingly sought after. 

One of my other favourites on TradeMe is looking at Range Rover Vogues. I have a 1995 NZ-new Vogue SE which has a Feldon tent on top sitting in The Gallery at Parihoa. I’d love to restore it properly one day as it's such a beautiful looking vehicle. 

In its heyday, it cost $140,000 but I paid $20,000 on TradeMe, which I think was a steal as it had been well looked after and only had 177,000kms. 

I am looking for the ideal “LSE” which is the long wheelbase version and has the large 4.2-litre V8 as opposed to the 3.9-litre V8. I haven’t seen one that has got me tempted but it's fun seeking the ultimate. I enjoy the Vogue models of between 1987 and 1995 that come up, but again finding a good condition and well-loved one, which is NZ-new and with history, is increasingly difficult. 

Most of the better examples are in the South Island and I suspect not on TradeMe but happily being driven or garaged.

Another model I love is the Mercedes-Benz 320CE cabriolet and on my watchlist is a beautiful example from Webb’s (which sold at the weekend). This one has 210,000kms (not too bad) and was NZ-new in 1993. 

The 3.2-litre engine is the one to go for. It’s priced at $35,000, which I think it’s fair and should end up with a knowledgeable collector. This shape is said to be the last of the bulletproof Mercedes-Benz and I agree. 

I have a 1999 Mercedes-Benz 280SL hardtop cabriolet, and again it is NZ new and had only one owner. And if my garage had more space, I’d jump at the above.

As I’ve found, TradeMe surfing for Modern Classic topics can be a lot of fun. Part of the joy is the journey of curating the right watchlist and following your passions. The trouble with me is when I go too deep on the research, suddenly the car ends up in the garage! And with weddings and events taking place more at The Gallery, where the cars get stored, I’m getting under pressure to offload some of my cars. 

Which ones I’d sell, is a hard one, as all have stories I’m proud of. Best to just gaze passively at TradeMe and write these columns carefully in the way that doesn’t make me vulnerable about going down more purchase rabbit holes.

Are you like me? Or perhaps a dreamer? How do you manage your Modern Classic lists? Get in touch via Facebook or Instagram, and share your current Modern Classic watchlist.